In a landmark initiative to transform Indian agriculture, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the deployment of 2,000 scientific teams across the country. These expert teams will work directly with farmers to modernise agricultural practices, boost productivity, and make farming more sustainable and profitable.
The announcement was made at the 11th convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking at the event, Chouhan said the government is committed to bridging the gap between agricultural research and field-level implementation. “Scientists must step out of their laboratories and connect with farmers in the field. Real progress in agriculture can only happen when our research reaches the ground,” he said.
This initiative is part of a broader push under the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”, launched earlier this year, which mobilised over 2,000 teams of agricultural experts and scientists to interact with farmers in more than 65,000 villages, reaching nearly 1.35 crore farmers. These interactions provided vital feedback on ground-level challenges faced by cultivators—from pest outbreaks and low yields to the need for quality seeds and climate-resilient farming solutions.
According to officials, the new scientist teams will not only educate farmers about modern tools and techniques but will also collect on-field data to refine and customise research based on local needs. Areas of focus will include crop diversification, soil health management, organic farming, seed development, precision irrigation, livestock improvement, and climate-smart technologies.
“The teams will act as a bridge between national agricultural research institutions and the grassroots. Their job is not just to inform, but also to learn—what farmers need, what challenges they face, and how science can provide practical solutions,” a senior official from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said.
The initiative has also received backing from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and state-level research bodies. Scientists will be tasked with demonstrations, training workshops, and the promotion of locally-relevant innovations, including genome-edited crops and sustainable farming inputs.
Experts have welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed revival of the “lab-to-land” approach championed during India’s Green Revolution. “This could be a game-changer, especially if we ensure that scientific recommendations are tailored to local agro-climatic conditions,” said Dr. R.K. Singh, Director of IVRI.
The deployment of these teams marks a significant step in the government’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat @2047”, where modern, tech-driven agriculture plays a central role in rural development, food security, and income generation.
The government has also assured continued funding and monitoring of the programme to ensure its effectiveness on the ground. If successful, this model could become a permanent feature of India’s agricultural extension system.
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